My Orgasmus Experience in Bern, Switzerland. By José Ángel.

Why did you choose to go to Bern, Switzerland?

Switzerland was one of those European countries that I had left to visit, so I thought that it seemed like a good way to get to know the country fully, but without getting tired of it (my stay here has only been one term). Furthermore, when I was searching for images of Bern on Google, I loved the look of it and now that I'm here, I have to say I have not been let down one bit.

How long did your grant last? How much money did you receive as help?

My grant lasted for the first quarter term of the year 2014/2015. In total, they gave me 2, 200 Swiss francs, which is the equivalent to 1, 800 euros. It must be said that Switzerland has had certain problems within the European Union, so this money was not given by the Erasmus scholarship fund itself, rather it was the University of Bern who have it to us instead. I should also say that it is quite a low figure in relation to how much it costs to live here.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bern?

There is quite a good atmosphere, especially in the areas where all the department buildings are found - obviously. You won't find the same student vibe on the streets here as you do in Granada or Salamanca, but yes, it's true that you will frequently encounter many students in the areas around the university and the main building - especially when the weather is nice!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Bern to other students?

Yes, I would recommend it without a shadow of a doubt. I would recommend it to you if you don't want to have the "typical" Erasmus experience with infinite parties - if you want that, you should go to Italy or Poland. Bern is a calm city more than anything else, and the student atmosphere will be created within the university residence where you are staying. Berna is a city with a lovely Medieval sense about it; it is not too big and it is very well connected, so living there will be very comfortable.

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What is the food like in this country?

The food... cheese and chocolate! Well, more like expensive cheese and expensive chocolate. It's true that the common foods throughout this area are delicious (think: Raclette, Fondue, Rosti... ), asking for one of them in a restaurant is quite painful unless you have a thick wallet. Let me explain: in Switzerland there are four main supermarket chains; Coop; Migros; Aldi and Denner. I have ordered them from most expensive to the cheapest, give or take. Keep in mind that the food here (literally every single thing) is expensive, especially in the beginning. You won't know what to buy during those first three weeks and so you will pick the first thing you see. When you become more practical, you will start to see where it is best to buy each product. Usually, or at least from my experience and some of my friends', it is normal to spend 40-50 Swiss francs (35-45 euros) on food each week per person - that's just a ball-park figure, of course.

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Bern?

No, the truth is, it was quite easy! On this website, www.vbsl.ch, they have gathered three residences that they offer to students. Apart from this, I think there are only apartments and flats available - I think. I would recommend that once you know for sure that you are going to Bern, get in there and ask for a room, as they will be gone relatively soon. What should you ask for? Well, I stayed in Fellergut and I was very happy with it, as I coincided with four other Spanish friends here. The cheap bedrooms (540 Swiss francs a month, about 440 euros I think) are located on what they call the "poor part" (I was in this area). They are individual bedroom that are quite spacious with a lamp, large desk, chest of drawers, wardrobe, a large window and a sink. The sink is only for your hands as the bathrooms with the showers in them are communal: they are on each floor in the "rich area" (expensive rooms) and in the "poor area" (mine). In each poor area there are 20 people living there. They share two bathrooms and two showers among 20. It can sound crazy, but they are incredibly clean and I didn't have to wait once during my whole time to go to the bathroom or to shower - this wasn't because I was particularly unhygienic, but rather like it just occurred that nobody had to wait. The kitchen is also a common area and it is the area where most things take place. The rich part consists of 10 bedroom and they share one shower and bathroom between two rooms. Seriously, I really enjoyed my room and I fully recommend that you go for the cheap one.

In the case that you don't find a room in Fellergut, I would recommend that you ask for one in Tsarnergut. It is about 200 metres from Fellergut and it is also quite good. Both are next to the "Bumpliz North" train station, where trains arrive at every 15 minutes going towards Bern, which in turn is then one minute walking to the university. The journey to the residence from the centre is about 5 minutes (if you have class at 08:15, you can get the train at 7:47 and arrive with plenty of time to spare).

Lastly, take into account that the Erasmus and exchange student lifestyle revolves around these two residences. It is quite recommended that you get a place in either one of these in order to be fully involved in the Erasmus life.

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How much does it cost to live in Bern?

A lot... Like, a lot. When I finished my Erasmus here I was just waiting to get back to Spain so that I could go to a supermarket and buy things without any kind of regrets. If we are talking about a monthly cost (without including trips or too many treats) then it would be around 700 euros. "Oh, that's not much" you say... But once you're here you will want to at least do a couple of trips a month and go out to party, which means you will spend some on alcohol (which is also expensive). In this way, it is easy for your budject to increase to 1, 100 a month (approximately, of course).

How is your language? Did you go to any course at the university?

Bad, I didn't understand anything at all. Yes, I went to the EOI in Spain for a year studying German, but when I arrived here I couldn't apply any of it because they speak a different variety of German (Swiss German) that has differences to German. Once I got here, I didn't go to any university course as you needed a higher level of language in order to sign up. You can get an academic tutor whilst you're here. They costs a lot but if your objective is to learn the language, then you don't have any other choice. However, I have become skilled at perfect English (most people here speak English). That being said, I recommend a minimum of a B2 so that it will be faster and easier for you.

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What is the most affordable way to arrive in Bern from your city?

The direct flight to Bern itself is unthinkable, as it is a kind of private airport and your flight leaves for about 1000 euros from Madrid. The alternatives are to fly to Geneva, Zurich or Basel, and once there you should take the train to Bern. Geneva is the most common option, as it is closer to Spain and flights are cheaper. I took a round trip ticket to Geneva with Iberia Erasmus. I recommend that you keep an eye on this, because they let me carry two checked bags plus hand luggage too, both on the way and on the return, and in total it was about 200 euros (from Madrid). As always, try to book the flight as far in advance as possible. I also know of a friend who took a flight from Malaga with EasyJet and it was quite cheap.

Where do you recommend to go out in Bern?

This is the kind of thing you learn when ESN takes you for a night out. The ESN (Erasmus Student Network) works pretty well here, and they prepare quite a good schedule for the term. So, during the first few weeks, there is "Welcome Party", "Apero" or "Pub Crawl". With these kind of events you learn that, if you want a free club with all kinds of music, you have to go to "Propeller" (although it's a typical kind of place that gets boring). Then there's "Le Ciel" and "Du Teatre". Both usually charge you to enter (about 15 Swiss francs, no drink), but there's a slightly better atmosphere and it's more lively. Another option is "Rondel", which also tends to cost money but it's good. Finally, the "Cuba Bar", with Latin music and South American vibes. As a warning, drinks in places like Le Ciel are usually around 20 - 25 Swiss francs, so the best option always is (and always will be) to buy a few cans of beer and a bottle of wine in the supermarket and get drunk in the residences before going out to party. Also, keep in mind that here the nightclubs close at 3:30 - 4:00 unless it's a special party, so you'll get used to starting to drinking at 20:30 and catching the train to the city at 23:00. You'll forget about drinking at 12:00 and arriving at the club at 2:00.

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And to eat in Bern? Can you tell us your favourite places?

I've only eaten in Bern a few times because the price is so limiting. If you want something fast to satisfy your hunger, you can go to the Migros Take Away station (you'll see that Migros is a big chain), and you'll have plenty of variety at a moderate price. You'll also have to change your mindset about McDonalds and Burger King: they're expensive here. The small menus are around 10 - 20 euros (although it is also true what they say: they are better quality). To eat in the city, I would recommend a Mexican restaurant called "Desperados", next to the station.

And for a cultural visit?

Just walking around Bern is already a cultural visit in itself. It is easy to find information on the internet about what to do and what to see. Don't miss the main street with its two giant clocks, a trip to Mount Gurten, Bear Park (with real bears), sit on the banks of the river Aar (the river that flows through Bern) for hours on end, climb to the Park of Roses, climb the cathedral tower and see a panoramic view of the city, or simply wander around the city when they start putting the Christmas lights while you eat a delicious and expensive chocolate waffle.

At a cultural event level, the one that caught my attention the most was an Onion Market that they organise on the 20th of November, which basically consists of exactly that: the center of the city is filled with stalls that sell onions, onion tart (delicious) and other strange things. It's like a Spanish fair, it's very cheerful. People start going in the morning from 5:00 am, and from that time onwards the city is full of people and children throwing confetti, as well as hot dog stands, mulled wine (very famous here, although I hate it) and beer.

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Do you have any advice for future students coming to Berna?

Come! Without a doubt. It's cliché, I know, but these kinds of experiences will change your life and the way you see things. Seriously, you don't have to study too much, you will have a lot of free time and be able to go on loads of trips as the country is very central (I went to Germany, Italy, Turkey, as well as discovering Switzerland completely). It is a precious country with the ever-present Alps above you. You will always be able to find other Spanish people and think about all the Erasmus students that you know are going to be like you, wanting to make friends and form groups. Get yourself a "Mobility" card: it is a car-sharing company that is quite good for trips for four to five people, because the country's train system is... Well, it's expensive. As I said, don't come looking for an Erasmus placement filled with endless parties, because you are going to find parties, but they aren't going to be the foundation of your stay here.

Finally, for any doubts that you have, send me a private message and I will be happy to help you with anything, either by WhatsApp or Skype. I know that I would have liked someone to explain to me what I was going to find when I arrived at this place where there are bears in the middle of the city..!